“He made sure a missed personal call did not stop the response.”

She glanced toward Ruth.

“And someone nearby answered.”

I looked at the red cord in Ruth’s hand.

The case had come out without me going back for it.

I would remember that when I tried to excuse what I had done at the doorway.

Before we left, I asked Reyes whether anyone had been hurt in the neighboring houses.

She told me crews were still checking people and properties.